Whereas Ella and Louis did more that one album together, this is the only pairing of Diane and B.B., and it's doubtful another one will follow. The selection of song is definitive, each duet performed just right, the arrangements of vocal and instrument is careful, Diane and B.B. compliment each other without sounding like they are falling all over themselves or stepping on each others feet. At the same time, B.B. shows us his ability to croon, a style not at all associated with him, Diane cuts loose a little. They do bring it together well, one song that merges B.B's croon and Diane's familiar is "You Don't Know Me." Normally this song is performed by local bands all across the country at Union Halls and the like, Diane and B.B. successfully disassociate this song with it's reputation and they do it sober.

As with the Louis and Ella albums, the artists not only sing, they play their instrument; Ella was an instrument. Diane plays her piano, B.B. plays his ever present Lucille. The arrangements compliment the piano and slide guitar well, jazz is present with colors of the blues. Nice. Diane and B.B. cover a Ella/Louis song "I'm Putting My Eggs In One Basket," and it's cute enough for them to get away with it.

Etta James signature song "At Last" is covered so well it seems a tribute to her. Fitting a blues artist the caliber of B.B. King performs it here with the intimate "I'm singing this directly to you, Etta" reading of Diane. This song deserves its place on "The Very Best Of Diane Schuur."

A marriage of opposites
Here we have two of today's most distinctive voices in jazz, combining to create rapturous results. I like the way these two play off each other - sometimes alternating in playful one-upmanship, other times intertwining like vines curling up an old wall.

The first track, "No One Ever Tells You" sets the tone, with its gently rocking rhythms and soaring vocals. The anthem "Glory of Love" inspires - as do many of the tracks - by being a little on the quiet side. I only wish these two great artists had explored more material like their gospel-inflected rendition of "Spirit in the Dark." When it arrives, later in the program, its energy is so welcome that I wanted two or three more like it. But it's a minor complaint in a recording that has given me great pleasure.

I did not like this combo at all.......
I did not like the combo of Dianne Schuur and BB King at all. I am a big fan of both, but I found this CD to be off the mark completely.

Bagful of soul and jazz
A strong set of standards and blues-soul tracks, adorned by the incomparable jazz-soul vocals of Diane Schuur and guttural blues inflections of BB King. King's molasses-thick tones contrast and complement Schuur's soaring scat-lines and soulful delivery, creating an edgy, hypnotic ambience which is best displayed on "Try A Little Tenderness", "At Last", "No One Ever Tells You" - and the album's highlight, the gospel fervour of Aretha Franklin's "Spirit in the Dark".

Oh, and there's BB's subtle fret work to balance Phil Ramone's exuberant production. This is a superb collaboration by two disparate talents.

An instant classic, music for the new millenium
This is the 3rd copy I have had to buy. All who have listened to it immediately decide to purchase a copy of their own. Unfortunately, my copies don't always return from those who have borrowed it and to own a copy for me is a must. The blend of Ms Schurr's phenomenal vocal instrument and Mr. King's earthy and rich voice and guitar create a magic that can touch your soul. Forget Valium and Prozac this CD truly epitomizes the old saying "music has powers to sooth the savage the beast". This CD soothes the savage beast within us all.
In 1959 producer Clyde Otis teamed his two favorite singers, the seasoned jazz star Dinah Washington and the young R&B crooner Brook Benton, in the studio and came up with two top-10 pop hits from the resulting album, The Two of Us. Washington is Diane Schuur's biggest hero, and the young jazz vocalist wanted to do her own version of The Two of Us. She found an unexpected but appropriate partner in B.B. King, who is best known for the blues, of course, but who also has experience with the kind of jazz, country, and R&B standards Schuur had in mind for the project. The result is Heart to Heart, a duet album that brings out the best of both singers. Schuur's tendency to oversing is held in check by the rootsy nature of the material and King's down-to-earth presence in the studio. And King gets a chance to stretch out beyond his usual repertoire and show how well he can croon on numbers like Irving Berlin's "I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket" and Harry Warren's "At Last." --Geoffrey Himes